Suspect in NJ scooter shooting pleads not guilty

PATERSON — One of three men charged in the death of a 12-year-old girl who was killed by a stray bullet while riding a scooter in northern New Jersey pleaded not guilty Tuesday to murder and weapons charges.

Jeffery Ellerbee appeared in handcuffs in Paterson and pleaded not guilty through his attorney, Susan McCoy. The 21-year-old Ellerbee didn't look over to the gallery at several friends and family members of Genesis Rincon during the brief arraignment as he answered several questions from state Superior Court Judge Mary Clark.

Ellerbee's bail was continued at $2 million cash.

Ellerbee is the second person charged in the death of Rincon, who was struck in the head July 5 as she rode to a family gathering in Paterson. She was kept on life support for several days until her organs were donated.

Prosecutors have charged two other men in the case.

Nineteen-year-old Jhymiere Moore pleaded not guilty last week to murder and weapons offenses, while 19-year-old Marshae Anthony has not yet made a court appearance regarding weapons offenses.

Moore is being held on $3 million bail and is in protective custody at the Passaic County Jail because of the high-profile nature of the case. Tensions have risen in Paterson since Rincon's death, in the midst of what police say is a sharp rise in nonfatal shootings.

Prosecutors have said Rincon was not the intended target, but haven't offered further details. Assistant Passaic County Prosecutor Jason Statuto said last week that authorities believe Moore and Ellerbee each fired shots.

Statuto left court without speaking to reporters Tuesday. Family members also declined to be interviewed.